Volume 2. Issue 54
Welcome to the Full-Time RVer Newsletter, published every other Wednesday by RVtravel.com. Here you’ll find helpful RV-related and full-time RV living tips from the pros, travel advice, and anything else of interest to full-timers or those who aspire to be. Thanks for joining us. We appreciate you. Please tell your friends about us.
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This newsletter is sponsored by our friends at Wholesale Warranties.
Quote of the day
“The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you miss all you are traveling for.” —Louis L’Amour
Push fear out of the way; don’t let anything stop you from following those full-time dreams
By Lucinda Belden
“I want to RV full-time someday!” I hear that exclamation, declaration, and response regularly. When someone finds out that we are in their local area because we are full-time RVers they always have a story to tell. They say something like, “Yes, we plan to do that one day. We just have to…
- Raise the kids/grandchildren
- Sell this or that
- Find the right time
- Retire
- Figure this out…
But we will one day.”
Right now, I’m reading a book with a friend. It is a self-help book with a simple message: “Don’t keep doing a habit because you are fearful of how you will handle the change.” What is the worst that can happen? You are back to the same old habit? But what can happen if you succeed—the possibilities are endless. The book’s message is so relevant to starting a full-time RV lifestyle.
I understand fear. By nature, we are embedded with the instinct of fear. It is there to protect us from doing something that will endanger our health, our safety, and our mental well-being—or letting someone or something else do it. At the very center of our safety is a secure roof or dwelling over our heads. Someplace to belong.
A house is something known. We are bombarded with messages our whole lives that one American dream is owning our own home. Does it have to be a brick-and-mortar home? Does living in an RV home initiate fear? Does leaving your community elicit fear? It may not be the home you always imagined, but it’s still a home.
Did you miss last weekend’s RV Travel Newsletters?
If so, here is some of what you missed…
- All the stuff they don’t tell new RVers they need!
- Letter to the editor: Nothing to love about staying at Love’s
- Camping World claims slideouts have gaps for ‘airflow’ when extended
- Is KOA abandoning RVers in favor of glampers?
Features
Some of these articles are from past issues of RVtravel.com and have been updated for this newsletter.
7 things to ask yourself before planning an RV remodel
By Cheri Sicard
Embarking on an RV remodel can be an exciting, fun, and rewarding undertaking. The finished results can be dramatic! However, biting off more than they could chew and/or unforeseen circumstances have turned many RV remodelers’ dreams into nightmares. Right now, before you embark on ANY RV rehab project, take a little time and do the #1 most important thing a lot of folks neglect (and later regret), and also ask yourself these important questions.
Around the Campfire: How old is too old to RV?
By Gail Marsh
We were a bit late joining last night’s campfire. Other campers had already gathered around the welcome warmth and were in the middle of a discussion. The topic? “How old is too old to RV?” As we joined our chairs to the circle, I took a quick glance at the other folks there. Whew! Hubby and I were safely within the age range represented: 30s through 80s. … Continue reading this interesting discussion.
The CatStrap™ prevents catalytic converter thefts
By Tony Barthel
Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise. While lots of people are asking “Why don’t ‘they’ do something about this?” the answer isn’t all that simple. But a reader clued us in to a gadget called the CatStrap™ that might prevent your vehicle’s catalytic converter from being stolen. The CatStrap is an intriguing device that is one of those simple solutions to a complex problem that may turn out to be a great solution. Continue reading.
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Reader poll
Quick tip
Where to mount your new flat screen TV
Replacing on old “tube”-style TV with a flat screen in your RV? Think about mounting the new flat screen on a swing-arm mount that’s attached inside the old TV’s cabinet. You can swing the TV into the cabinet any time, and out for viewing from different areas of the coach. And no need to rebuild the cabinet to accommodate the new TV, provided it fits in the hole.
Best boondocking RV coffee makers—no hookups required
Here’s your ultimate guide to boondocking RV coffee makers and hookup-free gourmet coffee-making accessories. Boondocking can provide you with some out-of-this-world scenery that those in RV parks will sadly never experience. One of the times it is most apparent is when you first open your RV door in the morning. Why not pair those breathtaking views with equally impressive morning coffee? You can! Find out how here.
Introvert RVer says getting out of comfort zone brings unexpected fun times
By Gail Marsh
I’ve written before about the tension that exists between an introverted personality and an extroverted one. Put those two personalities inside a very small living space (like an RV) and you might rightly predict an explosion of sorts. … As with so much in life, the choices we make have the power to either enrich our life or make us miserable. The choice is up to us, and I’d like to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone. This is very interesting.
Don’t you dare miss today’s issue of our RV Daily Tips Newsletter. It’s our readers’ favorite newsletter for a reason! Click here.
Handheld sewing machine is a must-have for RVers
This portable sewing machine is perfect for your RV. It fits in your hand for easy operation. Great for silks, denim, wool, leather, and to hem pants, jeans, hanging curtains and crafts, etc. It can repair drapes without taking them down, repair clothing without taking it off, and repair bedding without stripping the bed. It’s so neat you’ll want to buy one.
Featured recipe
Creamy Bacon Chipotle Mac n Cheese
by Lora DiGs from Staten Island, NY
What a unique take on macaroni and cheese. The evaporated milk does indeed make this very creamy. Bacon and chipotle give the mac and cheese a nice smoky flavor. Chipotle also gives it a kick of spice. This was so easy to prepare on the stovetop. No oven needed. If you’re looking to ramp up your traditional mac and cheese, give this recipe a try.
Contact information
Editor: Emily Woodbury
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Editorial (all but news): editor@rvtravel.com
Editorial (news): chuck@rvtravel.com
Help desk: Contact us.
Everything in this newsletter is true to the best of our knowledge. But we occasionally get something wrong. We’re just human! So don’t go spending $10,000 on something we said was good simply because we said so, or fixing something according to what we suggested (check with your own technician first). Maybe we made a mistake. Tips and/or comments in this newsletter are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of RVtravel.com or this newsletter.
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About Catalytic converter thefts:
“Why don’t ‘they’ do something about this?” the answer isn’t all that simple.”
Well, actually the answer IS simple. We do not punish, arrest, or jail the thieves. But we do bring severe punishment to the people who purchase the stolen converters. If there are no buyers for the product (any product), the supplier is no longer needed.
These purchasers need to go to prison for three-five years with no early release. Do that enough times and the rest will get the message real fast.
I took the reaction test and scored an age 41. I am 80 so guess a few more years of RVing!
How old is too old to RV? Well I’m over 500 (in dog years) and still going strong.
I love my Catstrap. Took me about a half hour by myself to put on my 2021 Ram Laramie. So glad I put it on as with traveling towing my Grand Design Reflection and stopping at all sorts of truck stops and campgrounds, I feel so much safer knowing it’s on protecting my catalytic converter.